From: Vincent LaVergne <solaverg@smsd.k12.ks.us.edu>
To: Teacher2Teacher Public Discussion
Date: 1998080411:35:26
Subject: procedure vs understanding

	
I've read some messages about procedures for factoring trinomials and
have found them helpful. I prefer the method where students split the
middle term and factor by grouping (it works for everything).  My
question is this: how do we get students to actually understand what
factoring is?  

I've tried to use algebra tiles a little bit.  Are there any other 
things you've tried which help students understand the concept itself?

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